Category: Global

The four La Liga representatives in the UEFA Europa League; Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid, Villarreal and Real Sociedad, played their first legs in the last 32 of the competition. I take a look back at the best of the night’s action. Athletic Bilbao faced a tough trip to Russia to face Spartak Moscow in the last 32, a side that stuck five past Sevilla when they visited Moscow in the Champions League group stages, but a clinical performance from Los Leones has given them big led to take back to…

Barcelona are said to have reached an agreement with Gremio over the signing of Arthur, who will arrive at the Camp Nou in January 2019. After strengthening their side with Philippe Coutinho and Yerry Mina over the January transfer window, it seems the Catalan club are still actively searching to improve their options. The likes of Rafinha and Arda Turan have been sold, whilst it is expected that Aleix Vidal and Gerard Deulofeu will be next out of the Camp Nou door on permanent moves in the summer. Coutinho and…

Officials for Argentina have asked national captain Lionel Messi to play less for Barcelona as the World Cup in Russia approaches. AFA president Claudio Tapia has pleaded with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to ask Barca boss Ernesto Valverde for less minutes, but it seems his plea has fallen on death ears. Messi has featured in 33 starts out of 39 games this season for the Catalan side, being left out of the match-day squad just three times. Valverde did leave Messi out of the starting line-up for the first…

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has discussed a potential return to Real Madrid, insisting he still keeps a close eye on their results. The Spanish international left Madrid for a second time last summer to join the Premier League champions and former Juventus boss Antonio Conte, but his time at Stamford Bridge has been indifferent. Despite a relatively good start to his Blues career, Morata has not scored since December and has seen the English club sign Olivier Giroud from Arsenal last month. Settling for a place on the bench against…

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has been forced to discuss his future ahead of the Champions League tie with Paris Saint Germain on Wedneday evening. The French boss has been under increasing pressure for Santiago Bernabeu this season after falling behind Barcelona in terms of the title race and exiting the Copa del Rey after defeat to Leganes. Approaching the game with Ligue 1 leaders PSG, Zidane knows that nothing short of a win will keep his job safe and bring some chance of success to the club this season….

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski has offered himself to Real Madrid, according to Spanish daily Marca. Change is upon us at the Santiago Bernabeu after the club slipped 19 points behind league leaders and bitter rivals Barcelona over the weekend. The lack of form and goals from Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo has become a big worry for club president Florentino Perez, who is reportedly now coming up with various ideas to replace the tried and trusted trident. Bale has struggled heavily with injuries in the last 12…

Valencia defender Jose Luis Gaya is reportedly gaining interest from Italian side Juventus. According to Tuttosport, Juve officials are keen on replacing Kwadwo Asamoah and veteran defender Stephan Lichsteiner, whilst Alex Sandro is subject to numerous offers to leave Turin. Gaya, along with Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian, is on the shortlist at the Old Lady to replace the aforementioned and it is understood that tentative calls have been made to Los Che. 22-year-old Gaya, has been in good form this season at the Mestalla and has gained heavy plaudits…

Inter Milan have disciplined loanee Joao Cancelo after a poor attitude and several outbursts in training of late, according to reports. The Portuguese international left the Mestalla last summer after a fall out with the club’s fans, following links to La Liga side Barcelona and his open desire to join the Catalan side. A move to the Camp Nou failed to materialise and therefore, a move to Inter Milan on loan was agreed but his time with the Italian club has not gone smoothly. The defender has failed to gain…

Barcelona face a transfer battle with AC Milan for the services of Arthur, according to Calciomercato. After strengthening their side with Philippe Coutinho and Yerry Mina over the January transfer window, it seems the Catalan club are still actively searching to improve their options. The likes of Rafinha and Arda Turan have been sold, whilst it is expected that Aleix Vidal and Gerard Deulofeu will be next out of the Camp Nou door on a permanent basis this summer. Coutinho and Mina’s arrivals have given Barca fans plenty of optimism…

Everton failed to make a deadline day signing of Espanyol defender Mario Hermoso, according to various reports. The 22-year-old defender has had a relatively good season for La Liga side and has quickly gained interest from a number of European clubs. Having arrived at the Cornella El Prat last summer from Real Madrid in a €400k deal, interest is expected to see him leave the club this summer, despite a release clause in the region of €40m. Diario Sport report that Premier League side Everton failed with a last minute move last…